Where to Eat in Beaumont on Fridays During Lent

Fridays during Lent may seem hard to some, but in Beaumont, Texas, the meatless options are endless and delicious. Not only are we a seafood haven, our rich cultural influences provide flavors and variety that will satisfy from the tamest taste buds to the most adventurous eater.

Bayou Cafe

1255 N Major Drive
(409) 861-1133

With a location on Major Drive in Beaumont and a new spot in Port Arthur, the Bayou Café has gained a reputation over the past few years for freshness and shrimp. Jumbo shrimp. Whether you get shrimp in a pasta dish, in the gumbo, grilled or fried in a po'boy, you can be sure you are eating some of the freshest, largest shrimp in Southeast Texas.

Don't Miss:The fish or shrimp tacos, topped with cabbage, tomatoes and green onions are a crowd favorite sure to please.

Floyd's Cajun Seafood & Texas Steakhouse

2290 Interstate 10
(409) 842-0686

There are enough Lent-friendly options here to make your head spin. Oyster fans will drool over the oyster bar selections that include raw oysters on the half shell plus several creatively cooked concoctions. There are crab and shrimp appetizers and entrees galore as well as a variety of fresh fish that can be topped with your choice of signature sauce.

Don't Miss: Some say this is the best gumbo in town. Order the seafood gumbo with shrimp and crab. And try the bar trash - an appetizer made with blackened shrimp and crab meat.

Krazy Kajun

3015 N. Dowlen Road
(409) 861-1844

This is one of those hidden treasures that you would never suspect from the outside could contain such high-quality food. Even when you walk into the small space located in a strip mall, it feels slightly fast food-ish. Not until you see your freshly prepared order will you begin to believe what flavor awaits you. When you dig in, make sure you're ready, because you won't want to stop. Shrimp, crawfish, oysters and a variety of fresh fish (including tuna and snapper) are prepared fried, blackened and teriyaki style.

Don't Miss: Their Lent Friday special is 8 homemade crawfish boudain balls with fries and hush puppies for $5.99. Outstanding.

Suga's Deep South Cuisine & Jazz Bar

461 Bowie Street
(409) 813-1808

This is another top option located in beautiful downtown Beaumont. With their scenic back patio, it would be worth the trip for the setting alone. Suga's menu has numerous options that meet Friday Lent requirements, and everything has a Cajun/Southern gourmet flare. Ingredients are often locally sourced, and the chef changes the menu seasonally.

Don't Miss: The crab cake salad. This is a favorite of the locals anytime of the year, but is especially appropriate for Lent. A hearty, flavorful lump crab cake and two perfectly fried green tomatoes accompany a generous serving of baby greens with a peach vinaigrette, topped with fried sweet potato curls.

Tia Juanita's Fish Camp

5555 Calder Ave
(409) 434-4532

Tia Juanita's is known for their Mexican-seafood, a little bit of spice and a whole lot of fresh Gulf seafood! They offer everything from Mexican style nachos to seafood tacos including fish or shrimp. You'll also find po'boys, fried seafood baskets, gumbo, salads and quesadillas. And yes, everything really is delicious!

Don't Miss: Fish or shrimp tacos, which you can order on corn or flour tortillas topped with cabbage cilantro slaw and served with a side of charro beans. Shrimp tacos are $9.99 and fish are $8.99.

Willy Burger

5535 Calder Avenue
(409) 892-3400

While this spot-on local classy hamburger joint is a meat-lover's paradise, there are also more than a couple of note-worthy options for Lent Fridays. Everything here is prepared with attention to detail, most everything from scratch, and it's all mouth-watering. Be prepared to take home leftovers, or be extremely full.

Don't Miss: The tuna burger. A filet of ahi tuna with Asian slaw and ginger wasabi mayo on a bun is a fresh and satisfying option. To round out the meal, try some Parmesan garlic fries.

Tacos La Bamba

2005 Calder Avenue
(409) 838-6222

This Old Town taqueria is a place for street-style Mexican food, nicely priced and delicious. Overlook the numerous meat-filled tacos to some seafood options, or try a quesadilla filled with the (meatless) refried beans. A delicious side option is the trolelote (corn in a cup) topped with mayo, Parmesan cheese, lime juice and chili powder.

Don't Miss: The ceviche tostada is ridiculously inexpensive for such a delightful piece of fresh fish heaven. This is ceviche simplicity, made with fish and lime, cilantro and onion, topped with a couple slices of avocado, on a tostada chip. Ask for a side of guacamole. It's not on the menu and they don't always have it, but when they do, it's perfect.

Taz Indian Cuisine

5865 Eastex Freeway
(409) 899-5203

For foodies who love exotic flavors, this is a Beaumont goldmine. Whether you are dining at the lunch buffet or sitting down for the full service evening meal, there are a variety of vegetarian and seafood options that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you full and satisfied. If you've never experienced Indian food before, just open your mind and allow the helpful staff to guide you along.

Don't Miss: If you're looking for something with a little fire, try the Shrimp Vindaloo. Jumbo shrimp is cooked with potatoes in a thick, spicy sauce. Order the mango lassi drink to cool down your tongue afterwards.

Chaba Thai Bistro

6434 Phelan Blvd
(409) 866-3388

Another exotic cuisine destination with multiple seafood and vegetarian choices, Chaba is the source of many locals' cravings. Whether you're dining at the more upscale Chaba Thai Bistro that has a more extensive menu, or the intimate original location, you can be sure that your tastebuds will be happy.

Don't Miss: You can't go wrong with a classic soup and salad combo like the Tom Yum Goong spicy shrimp and mushroom soup combined with the papaya salad. The sweet vinaigrette on the salad made with shredded papaya and carrots, jumbo shrimp and peanuts is quite drinkable.

Author: Grace Mathis

Grace Mathis, is a Beaumont native. She enjoys writing about food and fashion for local publications, and spreading the good news about the exciting creative Renaissance that is happening in her hometown.